Apprentice surge

MORE than 12,000 people embarked on new careers as apprentices in the July-September quarter of 1999, according to figures compiled by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research.

Another 6,400 completed their training in the twelve months to 30 September.

This is the highest number of apprenticeships recorded in WA.

Sectors such as electrical and electronics workers and mechanical and fabrication engineering employees made up the largest group of apprentices with clerical, sales and service works also well represented.